Dear Reader,
At Europe and Me we aim to connect young Europeans from across the continent and make Europe feel more approachable and personal. One of the freedoms many of us enjoy in Europe is the ability to question injustice, speak out, and work together for change. In that spirit, Europe and Me is publishing a two part series on European movements and protests. This issue, we will begin by looking inwards and by reflecting on some of the root causes which drive European movements of protest and solidarity.
Central to any protest is the fight for dignity. That requires a redefinition of consent, which begins with self-consent, as Gem Kocher’s argument in their piece. Dignity is also central to Maite Meijer’s article detailing her fight against persistent disability discrimination and her call for a new approach to disability.
Another source of protest is a sense of alienation. Francesco Camboni’s article on the struggles of young Italians migrating to find work centres around the loss of a sense of belonging which comes from being effectively forced into exile in search of a stable income.
Lastly, some social issues are bigger than individuals. Culture is a shared good which we all shape together in our own small ways. In her piece, Jette Minks explores how institutions are seeking to combat attempts by Germany’s far right to shift culture to fit its narratives.
Whether discussing disability, work, identity, or culture, every article in this issue reminds us that personal experiences are never entirely personal. They are shaped by the communities, institutions, and political choices that surround us. We hope these stories encourage you not only to reflect on your own experiences, but also to consider how collective action, however small, can help build a more open, inclusive, and democratic Europe.
With kind regards,
Leo
